Top Four Real Madrid stars that could miss out on Russia 2018

As counties prepare for their last round of matches in the FIFA 2018 World Cup qualifiers, a number of top footballers are on the brink of missing out on the biggest football event to be hosted by Russia next year.

A number of Real Madrid players are also at risk of not making the next World Cup. Here are they:

1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

The 32-year-old is the captain of his national team. Portugal are currently second in their group(B) and are guaranteed a place in the playoffs.

Portugal are currently three points behind group leaders Switzerland, and eleven points better than third place Hungary. Ronaldo is a major doubt for their next two qualifiers. His country still must win some matches to land in Russia next year.

2. Gareth Bale (Wales)

Just like Portugal, Wales can still finish top of their group(D), but still have more than enough to do, to guarantee their place in Russia.

They kept their hopes of an automatic qualification alive with a 1-0 win over Georgia on Thursday, but are still second, one point behind leaders Serbia and one ahead of third-placed Republic of Ireland with one game to play.

Wales will qualify automatically for next summer's tournament in Russia if they beat the Republic in Cardiff on Monday and Serbia fail to overcome Georgia.

Gareth Bale's country will finish at least second if they avoid defeat against The Republic of Ireland, a result that would leave them in contention for a play-off place.

Bale is however out of the decider against Ireland but could be available if Wales play in the playoffs.

3 and 4.  Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic (Croatia)

Croatia blew their best chance of topping their group (l) after conceding a late equaliser at home against bottom side Finland on Friday.

Croatia are currently second, two points behind leaders Iceland, and level on points (17) with third place Ukraine but with a superior goal ratio ahead of the last round of matches.

Luka Modric and his national teammates must now get a decent result against Ukraine in Kiev on Monday to guarantee a playoff spot. A win for Croatia and a defeat for Iceland in the last round of matches will also see Croatia qualify automatically.